Yams as a stable food crops do not only serve as integral vehicle for food security, but also as a source
of income, and employer of labour in the producing areas in Nigeria. Lack of fi nance, inadequate
farm inputs, storage facilities and high cost of labour are identifi ed as the primary constraints to
yam production in the country. This article deals with most of the determinants of yam production,
constraints and the importance yam products in Nigeria. The fi ndings of the study suggest that farm
size, producer price, fertilizer use, yield (Hg/Ha), and economic growth have a positive infl uence
on yam production in Nigeria. On the contrary, the result shows an inverse relationship between
commercial loans and yam production in the country.
There is an urgent need for the Nigerian government to provide a conducive environment and
investment climate by subsidising farm inputs and providing aff ordable loans to the smallholder yam
farmers for a sustainable production.